Helping you breathe easier. Learn about air quality & air purification, chemical exposure and the pollutants that aggravate asthma, allergy and COPD.

Friday, June 01, 2012

Relative humidity a main indicator of indoor air quality

High humidity in homes can lead to mold growth,structural problems and poor indoor air quality.

Homes can make relative humidity problems evident in many different ways: A musty closet and traces of mildew on some clothing, ice formation or humidity on windows during the winter, a damp basement.

In fact, many homes in North America suffer from humidity in basements during the summer months.

The reasons could be as varied as an absorbent soil and moisture migrating through a concrete foundation, condensation on cold concrete floors and walls during humid months, indoor activities such as showering, cooking and drying clothes and water leaks (which should be fixed promptly).

High levels of humidity in a home should be addressed, since they can lead to structural problems, mold growth and poor indoor air quality.

According to experts the relative humidity levels in a home should be between 35-60%. Any higher, and mold will start growing, any lower and home occupants may be uncomfortable due to dry mucous membranes.

Tips to manage indoor humidity levels:

Use a dehumidifier (in the basement) when needed

Use spot ventilation in those areas of the home where moisture is created, i.e. a kitchen exhaust fan, a bathroom fan, in the laundry room

Install drainage inside and out

Look into airtight vapor barriers to prevent moisture from seeping through the concrete floor

Fix any water infiltration problems immediately

Please note: Making a home too airtight can lead to poor indoor air quality and related health symptoms. An airtight home may need an updated ventilation system and air cleaning equipment.

Controlled humidity will help prevent mold growth and some indoor air quality concerns – but the indoor air in many homes is still polluted by airborne chemicals, gases, odors, particles, allergens, bacteria and viruses.

Source control, ventilation and air filtration will help provide clean air throughout the entire year.

AllerAir offers serious home and office air purifiers with the most complete and longest-lasting air filters to remove the widest range of contaminants.

The air purifiers feature a deep-bed activated carbon filter for the removal of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), chemicals, odors and fumes, a HEPA filter for particles and dust as well as optional UV germicidal filtration for the neutralization of bacteria, viruses and molds.

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The information presented in this blog is basic and general in nature. It should never replace the advice of a medical professional. Always consult your medical practitioner for advice concerning your particular health concern.